REPORT OF MEETINGS by J. H. WAGGONER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 2, 1867

REPORT OF MEETINGS.

By J. H. WAGGONER

I intended before this time to say a few words more in regard to the meetings in Wright. I continued the lectures there until Sunday evening March 10th, and then considered it my duty to stop, though I would have been pleased to present some more subjects there. The weather was unfavorable; it was raining, and becoming quite muddy; the labors of sugar-making were upon them; and they had so many meetings there that it was impossible for some to do any justice to their temporal matters and be profited by the meetings. Nine arose at the last meeting to request membership with the church. Monday, 11th, I preached a funeral sermon, and on Tuesday seven were baptized. On Wednesday I left for Lapeer.

I felt pleased and encouraged over the prospects of the church in Wright. The ‘Testimony’ delivered to them in January has been of incalculable advantage, and they realized it, and rejoice in the benefit. I feel like praising God for the gift of his Spirit, which is fulfilling its work according to the Scripture, for “the perfecting of the saints;” and while scoffers mock and deride, the meek, the faithful, the waiting children of God may well plead with our heavenly Father to yet bear with us in our weakness, and not withdraw his favor from the remnant. May the Lord confirm the testimony of Jesus yet more and more among those who are waiting for his Son from Heaven. 1 Cor 1, 5, 8, Rev. xix, 10.

The general interest which Bro. Cornell reported at Lapeer had subsided when I went there. A special effort had been made to counteract the influence of the meetings which led to an expectation of a discussion. Many apparently fell back on this expectation, and as I fear is often the case, let curiosity take the place of interest. But a good work has been done in Lapeer; the number of commandment keepers is increased and the church is confirmed in the faith. I have felt deeply over the condition of this church ever since my visit there last summer, and now rejoice to see them breaking away from bondage and rising into light. Long-standing difficulties are being removed, and I believe there is a bright future before this church if all will walk fully up to the Testimony of the Spirit given for them. On Sabbath and first-day, 16, 17 inst., I tried to add my testimony to that of Bro. Cornell, and we all rejoiced together in the truth. Tuesday morning Bro. C. started for Saginaw Co., and I intended to leave at the same time for Oakland, but duty seemed to direct otherwise. The meeting of that evening was a time of reviving to all, and the next evening we had a good social meeting. Thursday the 21st, I came to Oakland; found Bro. Lawrence confined to his home by sickness in his family. Of the meetings I will speak hereafter.

I expect to attend the Monthly Meeting of the Oakland church, April 6, 7.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Rochester, Mich., March 26.